The Davis Company started in 1868 in Watertown NY, the company moved to Dayton Ohio in 1889 and was in business until 1924. The Davis machines were unique in their vertical feed system. There was no feed on the bed of the machine, which inhibited the bunching up of fabric that was a problem with other machines.

Customer:

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Patent dates are confusing as they follow the models rather than act as a date. Yours is probably circa 1890s-1900, but it is hard to say without knowing the model type. The earlier ones had patent dates on them which helps date the machine to within a few years.

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Does your have the drop down machine or a box covered stationery machine?

I'll see if I can find a manual, still looking. Singer kept excellent records, unfortunately not so with other companies. I am still trying to find something for you on the serial number.

Customer:

great, I appreciate you help

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Here is a manual you can download:

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

http://www.ismacs.net/davis/manuals.html (from ISMACS)

Customer:

great if you find anything on the serial #'s will you let me know

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Yes, still looking but I can definitely place it in the Circa 1890s-1905 range. Does it say Watertown or Dayton on the machine?

Customer:

Dayton

Customer:

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Ok, that places it after 1889. There should be a model Letter on it too.

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Here is some info on Models:

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

http://www.ismacs.net/sears/sears.html (reference)

C&A Appraisals (Randi :

Sears was a major supplier of Davis machines until 1910 when they sold Domestic basically exclusively.

Customer:

Great, I do not see a letter on it, the 5 could be a S, the machine is really dirty. Thank you for the information. I appreciate your assisance. I will look at the sites above and let you know if I have any more questions. You have been very helpful

Customer:

C&A Appraisals (Randi) and other Antiques Specialists are ready to help you